Genesis of Muslim Culture and Co-Existence in Mughal Era

Abstract

Muslim rule in India (1526-1707) is considered a golden chapter in the history of the culture of this region. Muslims established the Mughal Empire in India which was contemporary to the Safavid Empire in Iran. Massive migration to India occurred due to the wealth and grandeur of the Mughal court. Mughalstransformed every sphere of the Indian culture. Their Central Asian background created an aroma in the native culture and with the amalgamation of two; Mughals gave new dimensions to Muslim civilization in India. The cultural aura of Mughals affected every sphere of Indian social life. New ways of dining wereintroduced. Muslims established new industries of clothing and textile. New forms of beautification were launched. Cultural feasts and festivals were regularly celebrated. Music and dance touched the heights of glory. Royal painting studio laid new styles of Indian painting. This culture gave space to every communityto become its part. In the visual arts, the adaptation of local modes to the Mughal cultural environment involved a change of their ethos from religious devotion to secular entertainment. This paper focuses on the reinterpretation of Indian culture under the sway of Mughals. Every historian and scholar spells ink on the political and economic aspects of Indian history in medieval times. However, this work analyzes the cultural and social image of Muslim civilization which was developed under the policy of co-existence. Certain aspects of other cultures were also adopted by Mughal rulers under the policy of “Peace for All.”